What do you do if logical reasoning fails to solve problems as a consultant?

1 Understand the limits of logic

Logical reasoning is based on certain assumptions, rules, and principles that may not always apply to the real world. For example, logic can be affected by biases, fallacies, oversimplifications, or contradictions that can distort your reasoning or lead you to false conclusions. Logic can also be challenged by uncertainty, variability, or unpredictability that can make it hard to find clear or consistent solutions. Therefore, as a consultant, you need to be aware of the limits of logic and recognize when it is not enough to solve a problem.

2 Use creative thinking

Creative thinking is the ability to generate new, original, or innovative ideas that can help you solve problems in different ways. Creative thinking can help you overcome the limitations of logic by allowing you to explore multiple perspectives, challenge assumptions, experiment with alternatives, and combine concepts. Creative thinking can also help you deal with uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity by enabling you to adapt, improvise, or invent solutions. As a consultant, you can use creative thinking to enhance your logical reasoning and offer more value to your clients.

3 Apply critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information and arguments in a rational and objective way. Critical thinking can help you avoid the pitfalls of logic by helping you identify and eliminate biases, fallacies, errors, or inconsistencies in your reasoning or in the sources of information you use. Critical thinking can also help you cope with uncertainty, variability, or unpredictability by helping you assess the validity, reliability, and relevance of the evidence and criteria you use to support your solutions. As a consultant, you can apply critical thinking to improve your logical reasoning and ensure the quality and credibility of your work.

4 Learn from experience

Experience is the knowledge and skills that you gain from doing, observing, or reflecting on something. Experience can help you supplement your logical reasoning by providing you with practical insights, feedback, or lessons that can help you solve problems more effectively. Experience can also help you adapt to uncertainty, ambiguity, or complexity by giving you a sense of intuition, judgment, or confidence that can guide your decisions. As a consultant, you can learn from experience by seeking opportunities to practice, collaborate, or mentor in your field.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?